The USMC Western Division Matches are coming to Range 103 at Camp Pendleton the last week of February.

It will be open to Civilian Competitors with an NRA rating of Sharpshooter or higher.

To participate you must be legally able to posses a firearm and be willing to sign affidavits pertaining to the matter.

Upon acceptance you will be required to attend the entire duration of the Matches; typically 2-3 weeks, 6 days a week, 0530- dusk. You will also be required to hump your gear and keep up with movements on the Range, pull Pits, ect; just like the Marines you will be competing with. Who, BTW will be the best from their respective Units, having been filtered through USMC Inter-murals.

You will be issued an M16A4 or M4 w/RCO and Magazines; and for Pistol Competitors an M9 Barretta with Magazines. All ammo is provided by the Marines in the spirit of competition. Some other basic gear may be available on a first come first served basis 'till exhausted.

Points accumulated during the Match portion are submitted to the CMP for record toward the Distinguished Expert Badge.

Those individuals who have participated in previous Matches in the Armed Forces and accumulated 10 points, they may use any points accumulated toward completing the 30 points and being awarded the DSB of their respective Service Branch; even though they may have left the Service.

Weeks 1-2 are Classroom instruction, Zeroing and Practice sessions. The last 4 days are Competition.

It's exhaustive and long, but an outstanding opportunity for those able to participate.

JHermsen

10-29-2012 9:32 PM

Signups won't start until the Thursday or Friday before it commences, that'll be around the second week of February.

The notice we put out is a courtesy notice in anticipation of the Order coming down the pipe; it is for long range planning purposes of those interested, more information will follow with the specifics as the Marine Corps releases it.

SDgarrick

11-14-2012 11:34 AM

This is sounds awesome, though my February and march are booked. Is this an annual thing or a one time opportunity?
Thanks for the heads up.

JHermsen

11-20-2012 4:41 PM

It happens yearly as part of a Match series leading to selection for teams that participate in Corps wide competition and the Nationals.

Back East it is better attended by Civilians than out here, it is mostly because of SMGC providing support and a base to participation that WDM is ever attended by Civilians here.

Your welcome!

JHermsen

01-11-2013 6:41 PM

Here's the order. Report date is Feb 22.

Good Luck to all participants, Semper Fi

2. BACKGROUND. SINCE 1901, THE CIAP HAS PROVIDED THE MARINE CORPS WITH THE SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED MARKSMEN NECESSARY TO SUPPORT A PRODUCTIVE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM AND SUCCESS IN BATTLE. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO STIMULATE INTEREST AND DESIRE FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT IN MARKSMANSHIP AND TO ENHANCE PROFICIENCY WITHIN THE MARINE CORPS IN THE USE OF INDIVIDUAL SMALL ARMS BY REFINING PRECISION MARKSMANSHIP SKILLS THROUGH ADVANCED MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING AND COMPETITION.
3. INFORMATION. QUOTAS OF PARTICIPANTS FOR DIVISION MATCHES ARE ASSIGNED TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF A POPULATION BASE OF SKILLED MARKSMEN WITHIN INDIVIDUAL COMMANDS AND THE MARINE CORPS. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS ARE FOUND IN REF A ENCL (2) PARA 2. PARTICIPATING UNITS MAY SEND INDIVIDUALS OR ENTIRE TEAMS TO DIVISION MATCHES. IN ORDER TO COMPETE FOR THE TEAM TROPHIES, UNITS WILL ENTER TEAMS COMPRISED OF A MINIMUM OF ONE FIRING OFFICER (NO LONGER WAIVERABLE), ONE SERGEANT OR BELOW WHO HAS NEVER SHOT DIVISION MATCHES BEFORE (KNOWN AS A TYRO), AND TWO MARINES OF ANY RANK, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH MUST BE ENLISTED. NO MORE THAN TWO FIRING MEMBERS MAY BE DISTINGUISHED MARKSMEN FOR THE RIFLE TEAM MATCH, AND NO MORE THAN TWO FIRING MEMBERS MAY BE DISTINGUISHED PISTOL SHOTS FOR THE PISTOL TEAM MATCH. ONE MARINE WILL BE DESIGNATED AS TEAM CAPTAIN AND ONE AS TEAM COACH. THE TEAM CAPTAIN /COACH MAY BE FILLED BY ONE OF THE FIRING MEMBERS. BASIC COMPETITOR REQUIREMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN REF A. PARTICIPANTS MAY ALSO FULFILL THEIR ANNUAL RIFLE AND PISTOL QUALIFICATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. MARINES WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2013 DIVISION MATCHES WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING TWO-WEEK TRAINING PACKAGE:
A. WEEK ONE: CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, DRY FIRING, ESTABLISH ZEROES, LIVE FIRE TRAINING TO DEVELOP SHOOTING POSITIONS, ENHANCE INDIVIDUAL MARKSMANSHIP PROFICIENCY, INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE, AND PRELIMINARY MATCHES.
B. WEEK TWO: COMPETITION MATCHES WITH RIFLE AND PISTOL, TEAM COMPETITION, AND AWARDS CEREMONY. ANNUAL RIFLE TRAINING (ART) TABLE (2), AND/OR ANNUAL PISTOL QUALIFICATION MAY BE CONDUCTED PENDING NO MAJOR SCHEDULING SETBACKS.
4. REQUEST COMMANDERS NOTIFY THE HOST COMMANDER OF THE NUMBER OF MARINES WHO WILL ATTEND AND THEIR ESTIMATED DATE OF ARRIVAL. NOTIFICATION SHOULD BE MADE 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE RESPECTIVE MATCH; HOWEVER, FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTIFICATION DOES NOT PRECLUDE AN INDIVIDUAL OR A UNIT FROM PARTICIPATING. MARINES SHOULD REPORT DURING THE SPECIFIED REPORTING PERIOD TO ALLOW TIME TO DRAW NECESSARY EQUIPMENT OR PERFORM REQUIRED ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES BEFORE THE START OF THE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION.
5. PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
A. DIVISION RIFLE AND PISTOL MATCH WEAPONS ARE THE M16A4/M4 WITH RIFLE COMBAT OPTIC (RCO), AND THE M9 SERVICE PISTOL. THE CIAP TRAINING EVOLUTION WILL CONSIST OF 11 TRAINING DAYS FOR THE DIVISION MATCH.
(3) WESTERN DIVISION MATCH PROGRAM. HOST COMMANDER: CG MCB CAMPEN. REPORT DATE FOR THE MATCH: 22 FEB 13. WESTERN DIVISION MATCH: 25 FEB - 8 MAR 13.
6. REF A DIRECTS THAT THOSE MARINES WHO PLACE IN THE TOP TEN PERCENT AT THEIR RESPECTIVE DIVISION MATCH SITES WILL BE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS. THOSE MARINES THAT SHOW EXCEPTIONAL PRECISION MARKSMANSHIP ABILITY AT MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE SELECTED TO AUGMENT THE USMC SHOOTING TEAM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE COMPETITIVE SEASON WHICH CULMINATES WITH THE INTER-SERVICE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. THESE MARINES WILL BE PROVIDED TAD FUNDING BY THE MARINE CORPS SHOOTING TEAM. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF PARTICIPATION IN THE MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIP AND SELECTION TO THE USMC SHOOTING TEAM, TO INCLUDE ELIGIBILITY AND NON-CONTINUANCE REQUESTS, SHOULD BE SENT FROM UNIT COMMANDING OFFICERS TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER, WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION, TRAINING COMMAND (C 476), 27211 GARAND ROAD, QUANTICO, VA 22134-5036 VIA THE ON-SITE CMC REPRESENTATIVE AT EACH DIVISION MATCH SITE. ALL WAIVER REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH FULL JUSTIFICATION AND APPROPRIATE ENDORSMENTS PRIOR TO THE REPORTING DATE FOR MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS. FAILURE TO SUBMIT APPROPRIATE REQUESTS COULD RESULT IN ORDERS BEING ISSUED FOR FURTHER COMPETITION TO MARINES WITH PRIOR COMMITMENTS. SUMMER AUGMENTS TO THE USMC SHOOTING TEAM MAY ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND AN ADDITIONAL MARKSMANSHIP COURSE (CMC, CMT, OR FWIC) OFFERED AT QUANTICO AT THE END OF THE SUMMER SCHEDULE BASED ON SEAT AVAILABLITY.
7. FOR DIVISION MATCHES: ALL COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPETE WITH BOTH RIFLE AND PISTOL, AS WELL AS ATTENDING ALL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING LISTED IN PARAGRAPH TWO OF THIS MESSAGE. RARE EXCEPTIONS MAY BE GRANTED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
8. ALL COMPETITORS ATTENDING THE MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL COMPETE WITH BOTH WEAPONS. REGARDLESS OF WHICH WEAPON THEY PLACED WITH AT DIVISION MATCHES, ALL INDIVIDUALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN EITHER MATCH AND RECEIVE DISTINGUISHED CREDIT POINTS/TEAM AWARDS WITH BOTH WEAPONS. ALL COMPETITORS MUST BE PRESENT FOR ALL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE/QUALIFIED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE MATCH.
9. CIVILIAN COMPETITORS ARE AUTHORIZED, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE APPROPRIATE HOST COMMANDER, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVISION MATCH BUT MUST COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED TRAINING. THEY MUST ALSO FIRE THE SAME SERVICE WEAPONS AS THE ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE COMPETITORS. THEY MAY RECEIVE DISTINGUISHED CREDIT POINTS, BUT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY FURTHER AWARDS TO INCLUDE TEAM AWARDS. THE EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE IS RETIRED MARINES WILL RECEIVE A DISTINGUISHED BADGE IF THEY EARN THEIR FINAL POINTS AT THE DIVISION MATCH. CIVILIAN COMPETITORS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO COMPETE IN THE MARINE CORPS MATCHES.
10. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WEAPONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ISSUE AT DIVISION MATCH SITES. ACCORDINGLY, COMPETITORS ARE DIRECTED TO BRING THEIR ORGANIZATIONAL M16A4/M4 RIFLES AND M9 PISTOLS. ALL M16A4/M4 RIFLES MUST HAVE THE RCO (IRON SIGHTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED). ALL WEAPONS MUST HAVE A PRE-FIRE LIMITED TECHNICAL INSPECTION, ACCOMPANIED BY THE EQUIPMENT REPAIR ORDER (NAVMC 10245), AND MUST BE IN CODE "A" CONDITION PRIOR TO REPORTING TO THE MATCH SITE. COMPETITORS MAY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIRE TABLE 2 OF ANNUAL RIFLE QUALIFICATION AND SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM REQUIRED 782 GEAR: HELMET, FLAK JACKET, CARTRIDGE BELT, M16 MAGAZINE RETENTION DEVICE, (2) THIRTY ROUND RIFLE MAGAZINES, AND M9 MAGAZINE POCKET WITH (2) MAGAZINES. LIMITED QUANTITIES OF COMPETITION SHOOTING GEAR WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MATCH SITES FOR TEMPORARY LOAN ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE EQUIPMENT, MARINES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING SPOTTING SCOPES OR BINOCULARS (THOSE OVER 20X WILL BE TAPED), SOFT JACKETS, STOOLS, LEATHER SLINGS, AND COMPETITION SHOOTING GEAR IAW REF A. HARDBACK CORDURA OR LEATHER SHOOTING JACKETS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DIVISION MATCHES, BUT ARE AUTHORIZED FOR MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS. HOST COMMANDERS ARE ASKED TO COORDINATE WITH RANGE PERSONNEL TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPPLIES OF COMPETITION GEAR WILL BE AVAILABLE.
11. DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF EASTERN AND WESTERN DIVISION MATCHES, TEAM CAPTAINS WILL BE DESIGNATED TO FIRE FOR THE LARGE OR SMALL UNIT TROPHY BASED ON UNIT SIZE. GUIDANCE FOR MAKING THIS DETERMINATION IS CONTAINED IN REF A. IF FEWER THAN THREE ELIGIBLE TEAMS ARE PRESENT, THE SMALL UNIT TROPHY WILL NOT BE CONTESTED.
12. REF A, ENCL (2), PARAGRAPH 6.G.2 IS MODIFIED AS FOLLOWS: TEAMS MAY INCLUDE ONE OTHER SERVICE MEMBER, I.E. NAVY, ARMY, OR AIR FORCE (REGULAR OR RESERVE) AS A COMPETITOR WHO IS JOINED/CHARGEABLE BY T/O TO THE UNIT REPRESENTED, PROVIDED THAT INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT FILL EITHER THE OFFICER, SGT OR BELOW, OR TYRO REQUIREMENT. FURTHER, THAT INDIVIDUAL IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR INDIVIDUAL AWARDS AND WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY ISSUED USMC BADGE REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME. SEPARATE CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE SENT TO HIS OR HER COMMAND FOR ISSUE OF THE APPROPRIATE BADGE. MARINES INVOLVED IN THE FLEET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FAP) MAY COMPETE FOR THEIR JOINING UNIT, PROVIDED THE FAP WAS NOT EXECUTED SOLELY FOR THE DIVISION MATCH AND WAS EFFECTIVE NOT LESS THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE SUBJECT DIVISION MATCH. FOR CIAP PURPOSES, THE BEGINNING OF THE DIVISION MATCH SHALL BE CONSIDERED THE FIRST DAY OF CHECK-IN AT RESPECTIVE SITES.
13. TENANT ORGANIZATIONS AT EACH SITE, AS WELL AS ALL COMMANDS IN THE LOCAL AREA, ARE REQUESTED TO RENDER ALL POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE TO THE HOST COMMANDS DURING RESPECTIVE MATCHES.
14. FITNESS REPORTS. TAD FITNESS REPORTS WILL BE SUBMITTED PER MCO P1610.7F FOR THOSE SELECTED TO AUGMENT THE MARINE CORPS SHOOTING TEAM FOR THE SUMMER SEASON (TAD IN EXCESS OF 30 DAYS). THE END DATE FOR THE TAD FITREP SHOULD BE THE DAY MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS CONCLUDE (19 APR 13). A "FROM TAD" FITREP WILL BE COMPLETED THE DAY THE SUMMER AUGMENT DEPARTS BACK TO HIS OR HER PARENT COMMAND.
15. APPROPRIATION DATA AND ORDERS FORMAT FOR THOSE SELECTED TO ATTEND THE MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE ISSUED VIA MESSAGE BY THE COMMANDING GENERAL, TRAINING COMMAND UPON COMPLETION OF EACH DIVISION MATCH. COMMANDS MUST ENSURE THAT ALL PARTICIPATING MARINES REPORT WITH THEIR ORIGINAL TAD/PTAD ORDERS. THOSE SELECTED FOR FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE CIAP WILL NEED THEIR RECORDS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE AND HAVE A GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD PREVIOUSLY ISSUED THROUGH THEIR PARENT COMMAND. TAD/PTAD ORDERS WILL DIRECT COMPETITORS TO REPORT TO THE MATCH EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR DUTY WITH THE CIAP. DUE TO LIMITED FUNDING, COMMERCIAL AIR FROM THE FAR EAST AND PACIFIC DIVISIONS TO MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL NOT BE FUNDED BY MARINE CORPS SHOOTING TEAMS BUT IS AUTHORIZED FOR PARENT COMMANDS TO FUND IF DESIRED. COORDINATION SHALL BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM MARINE CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS VIA GOVERNMENT AIR / MAC FLIGHT. IT IS REQUIRED THAT PARTICIPANTS ALSO HAVE A VALID COMMON ACCESS CARD (CAC) ID TO DITE ACCESS THROUGH DTS DURING ASSIGNMENT AS A SUMMER AUGMENT.
16. REQUEST HOST COMMANDS DIRECT ONE PRECISION WEAPONS REPAIRMAN (MOS 2112) TO THE MATCH SITE AND ENSURE SUFFICIENT (MOS 2111) ARMORERS FROM LOCAL COMMANDS ARE ASSIGNED TO SUPPORT THEIR RESPECTIVE MATCH.
17. ADMINISTRATIVE, STATISTICAL, AND OPERATIONS PERSONNEL SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED IN ENCLOSURES (2) AND (7) OF REF A. WINDOWS CAPABILITY, MICROSOFT WORD SOFTWARE, POWER POINT SOFTWARE, INTEL DUO CORE OR FASTER, PROJECTOR, AND COLOR PRINTER ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN DIVISION MATCH RECORD KEEPING. HOST SITES WILL REPRODUCE PAPER COPIES OF THE FINAL MATCH BULLETINS TO INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM PLACEMENTS, AWARD(S) EARNED, PREVIOUSLY DISTINGUISHED COMPETITORS, HIGH TYROS, AND IF THE COMPETITOR BECOMES DISTINGUISHED DURING THE MATCH.
18. THE MARINE CORPS MATCH WILL BE CONDUCTED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE UNDER MCO 3591.2J AND CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM (CMP) RULES, 16TH EDITION, FOR HIGH-POWER RIFLE AND CONVENTIONAL PISTOL.
19. CMC REPRESENTATIVE. A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER, WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION TO ASSIST AND ADVISE EACH MATCH EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUPERVISE THE TRAINING. CMC REPRESENTATIVE WILL ENSURE THAT THE MATCHES ARE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONS OF REF A AND ANY MODIFICATIONS THERETO THAT MAY BE ISSUED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER, WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION. CMC REPRESENTATIVES WILL ALSO SERVE AS OIC'S OF MOBILE TRAINING TEAMS ASSIGNED TO PROVIDE THE INSTRUCTION AT EACH MATCH SITE.
20. THIS BULLETIN IS APPLICABLE TO THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE.
21. HISTORICALLY, MARINES ON THE USMCR SHOOTING TEAM WERE ONLY PERMITTED TO COMPETE AT THE EASTERN DIVISION MATCHES. THIS YEAR, IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE USMCR FINANCIAL BURDEN, USMCR SHOOTING TEAM MEMBERS ARE PERMITTED TO COMPETE AT EITHER EASTERN DIVISION MATCHES OR WESTERN DIVISION MATHES BASED ON WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL MARINE IS STATIONED. THE SAME RETRICTIONS APPLY TO THE USMCR TEAM AT WESTERN DIVISION AS THEY WOULD AT EASTERN DIVISION IN REGARDS TO COMPETING FOR TEAM EVENTS.
22. THIS BULLETIN IS CANCELLED 30 SEPTEMBER 2013.
23. RELEASE AUTHORIZED BY LTGEN RICHARD P. MILLS, COMMANDING GENERAL, MARINE CORPS COMBAT DEVELOPMENT COMMAND.//

JHermsen

02-24-2013 7:01 PM

Congratulations to the Civilians that made the commitment to participate in the journey ahead!

Good Luck! Keep it tight.

Kauf

02-25-2013 12:53 PM

If we are in the area, any idea if we can come out to watch?

JHermsen

03-03-2013 7:21 PM

I don't see why not, but of course you would need to check in and see with staff to be sure.

This is the biggest one in recent memory over 375 participants.

JHermsen

07-07-2013 1:48 PM

Next Opportunity

Your next opportunity to participate in the next Western Division Matches will most likely be the February to March time frame.

We will make it a priority to post those dates as soon the orders are received.